Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2005 Fox Broadcasting

The theme for last night's American Idol was '70s dance music. Some contestants definitely seemed more comfortable with it than others.

First up was Constantine Maroulis, who sang the Bee Gees song "Nights on Broadway."

He seemed very comfortable and was a real natural with this song. Judge Randy Jackson called the song a great choice and said it was like a great Las Vegas performance, but he complained he doesn't see much originality in Constantine. Nice judge Paula Abdul said that he's got stage presence and will sell lots of records. Tough judge Simon Cowell said he's definitely on a roll but that the song reminded him of a waiter in a Spanish nightclub.

Carrie Underwood did "MacArthur Park" by Donna Summer. There was something about her performance that just seemed a little off. Randy called it an unbelievable vocal and said she was one of the best singers in the competition. Paula complimented her on the last note and said bravo. Simon said that she sang very well, but that her fashion style that week looked like Barbie meets the Stepford Wives.

Scott Savol performed "Everlasting Love" which worked well for him but failed to excite. Randy said it fit his voice well. Paula said that he'd had fun and was on pitch. And Simon said he'd finally figured out why Scott was getting votes, because he was an ordinary guy doing well. But he qualified this by adding that an ordinary guy can get up at a karaoke bar and entertain people.

Next was Anthony Fedorov, who actually didn't do a bad job of "Don't Take Away the Music" by the Taranes. Randy said that people wait every week for Anthony to mess up, but this wasn't the week that had happened. Paula said the vocals were great and he was on pitch. Simon said it was pleasant, safe and a little insipid, summing up my view of Anthony.

Choosing "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan, Vonzell Solomon had a good time on stage. Randy said she'd chosen the song with the highest degree of difficulty and that she'd "worked it out." Paula called it her best so far and said she'd rocked the house. And Simon said that she was right on the edge vocally but that her personality carried it.

Anwar Robinson loosened up just a little performing "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire. He actually seemed more comfortable in the pre-taped segment, where they had him dance to disco music. Randy said it started out pitchy but that it was good. Paula said it was awesome and that he was "in the moment." Simon disagreed, saying it wasn't "as good as Paula thinks." He said it was a good ending but that it was a bit like a '70s revue and not a winning performance.

Finishing up the night, Bo Bice was back in his element, singing "Vehicle" by the Ides of March. He managed to find a '70s dance song he could rock out to, and he seemed comfortable on stage again. Randy said that he was definitely back and that when he sings the right song, it sounds like something he could record. Paula said this just proves the competition is back on and that he'd picked the right song. Simon said he'd had two previous bad weeks but that this was the only authentically good performance of the seven.

I don't know how the votes are going to turn out tonight, but I do know that I couldn't even get through to register my votes for Bo, meeting busy signals every single time for hours. I have a feeling he'll be safe this week.

As far as who's going to be in the bottom three, I'm not certain. Scott may find this is the week he finally leaves, and Anthony might finally find himself down there.

More Musings on American Idol:

American Idol, Season Four

American Idol, Season Three

Copyright 2005 by Alyce Wilson

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